Monday, November 14 2005 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Pune: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who has acquired 20 acres of agricultural land near Lonavala in Pune district has been issued a notice recently by the district authorities asking him to authenticate his claim of being an agriculturist.

In 2000, the Bollywood star had purchased 20 acres of land, close to Pavana dam in Maval taluka and got it registered in his name on the basis of documents allegedly proclaiming to be a farmer at Jaunpur near New Delhi, as under the Tenancy and Agricultural Land Act, 1963 only farmers could buy agricultural land in the state.

"Following a report in a news magazine about the purchase of agricultural land by Bachchan we began an enquiry", a senior official in Maval SDO, told sources adding that the notice was issued to the actor a fortnight ago.

"We have asked for original documents to be presented by November 25. At present, the registration of the land purchase in 2000 has been done on the basis of xerox copies. Upon submission of original documents for verification of his claim to be a farmer of Jaunpur, the matter would be closed", the official added.